Surprise Standout, Pumping Swell: Los Cabos Women Do Battle

The 6-Star Los Cabos Open of Surf saw an action-packed day of women’s competition, culling the field from 24 to just four Semifinalists in excellent two-to-four foot (1-metre) surf.

The Los Cabos Open of Surf represents the largest surf contest in Mexico's history and will play a crucial role in determining qualifiers for the 2015 ASP World Championship Tour (WCT). The event at Zippers is the fourth of seven 6-Stars for the women globally.

Dimity Stoyle (AUS) ripped through her heats with precision for huge scores.

Dimity Stoyle (AUS), 22, ASP Women’s WCT rookie, continued her tear at Zippers, commanding the day’s highest heat total of 18.87 in a Quarterfinals shootout against fellow WCT competitor Alessa Quizon (HAW), 20. Quizon was on fire throughout the day’s competition, collecting two heat wins, two of the day’s top heat totals of a 18.27 and 18.80, and a perfect 10-point ride. Still, Stoyle scored a near-perfect 9.87, edging out Quizon for the win by a final score of 18.87 to 18.80. Together, the pair would earn the highest scores of competition.

"That heat against Alessa (Quizon) was incredible," Stoyle said. "We were going wave-for-wave and it was just pumping. Alessa got the first two high scores and I thought she had it. I went hard on the waves that I got. I’m so happy."

"This venue is amazing," continued Stoyle. "It’s the best stop we have on the QS and it’s a perfect setup. I think this is a really exciting event for the girls and I’m excited to come back next year."

Brianna Cope (HAW) will be the only Semifinalist not currently on the CT

While members of the ASP WCT dominated the marathon day at Zippers, Hawaiian up-and-comer Brianna Cope, (HAW), 19, had a breakthrough performance, besting World No. 7 Lakey Peterson (USA), 19, while securing a Semifinals berth.

"I was just trying to get waves," Cope said. "Lakey (Peterson) is such a good surfer and I was just able to get the better of the exchanges. I think for the Semifinals I’m going to try and have fun and surf and not let my nerves get to me."

Laura Enever (AUS), 22, solidified the Semifinals draw, taking a strong come-from-behind win against Paige Hareb (NZL), 24. Enever combined progressive forehand turns in the back half of the heat, notching a 7.83 and 7.10 for the win.

Laura Enever (AUS) winning the final heat of the day against fellow WCT competitor Paige Hareb (NZL).

"I knew that’d be a tough heat against Paige (Hareb) and she started off well in the first half and I had a slow start," Enever said. "I’m glad I found those two in the end and happy to be in the Semifinals."